Abstract:
ABSTRACT
USING POSTCOLONIAL LITERATURE IN THE FIELD OF
COMPOSITION: A CROSS-DISCIPLINE DIALOGUE
by
© Erica A. Spangler 2011
Masters of Arts in English
California State University, Chico
Spring 2011
This thesis analyzes, discusses, and extends the cross-discipline dialogue between
the fields of composition and postcolonial studies. Both fields of study examine how
power relations shape and construct identity. Composition scholars examine how the
academy shapes composition student identity, and postcolonial scholars examine how
colonization shapes identity. This thesis extends the cross-discipline dialogue to suggest
uses for postcolonial novels to both train composition instructors and to teach
composition courses. This suggested approach incorporates composition pedagogy and
identity theories; such an approach raises relevant questions about how power relations
within the academy shape student identity. This thesis also suggests how using
postcolonial novels in a composition course can help students to form a language to
discuss identity. Such a discussion, then, should help students to begin their own inquiry
projects.
